For the past 5 years, homeowners along Ainsworth have nurtured the growth of a unique treat - two miles of trees, which include over 60 varieties of species not usually seen around Portland. If you ever thought you might be interested in a Kentucky coffee tree, American smoketree, Japanese Pagodatree, Asian persimmon, or Persian ironwood - trees Larry Bingham mentions in his Oregonian piece this morning - a trip to the Ainsworth Linear Arboretum could be just the thing you're looking for.

Neighbors like Jim Gersbach and Doug Trotter have worked for the last 5 years with Friends of Trees, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the City's Urban Forestry Commission to create what might be, Bingham writes, one of the largest urban arboretums in the nation.

Happy birthday to the Ainsworth Linear Arboretum, and congratulations to the many volunteers whose hard work helped create this spectacular showcase!

If you're interested in learning more about the Arboretum, join Friends of Trees for their Ainsworth Linear Arboretum Fall Color Walk, from 10:00 am to noon on October 9. Visit www.friendsoftrees.org for more.

Above: The Persian ironwood is one of many unusual trees featured in the two-mile arboretum. Thanks to flickr user friendsofmountauburn for the photo!